Latest News
May 23, 2012
"We’re at the center of something big here. When they write the history on American manufacturing’s great rebound, the i-GATE facility will be a prominent part of the story," Congressman Garamendi said. "Collaboration between the national labs, government, universities, and the private sector means regional innovation, smart investments, and jobs, jobs, jobs." Read More »
May 18, 2012
Garamendi Votes Against Escalation of Afghanistan War, Indefinite Detention, and Wasteful Spending
The Congressman voted against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would expand U.S. involvement in the war in Afghanistan, permit indefinite detention on American soil, and commit to building a multi-billion dollar missile program on the East Coast that the Pentagon says is unneeded and many experts say would not work. Throughout the NDAA process, Congressman Garamendi advocated for vital institutions in Northern California, including Travis and Beale Air Force Bases, the national labs in Livermore, research universities, and high-tech businesses. Read More »
May 18, 2012
Garamendi Manufacturing Amendments Pass House of Representatives
The NDAA amendment is a small but important step in assessing what challenges face the manufacturing sector and its ability to produce three-dimensional integrated circuits and advanced chips. The Manufacturing Extension Program amendment invests additional funds in a cost-effective, job creating program. Read More »
May 18, 2012
"Air Mobility Command remains one of the Air Force's most vital missions, and it's an honor to help shepherd its continued vitality in Congress," said Garamendi, who represents Travis Air Force Base, home to the 60th and 349th Air Mobility wings. "When national disasters strike, when quick entry into hostile territory is necessary, when life and death moments are measured by the minute, Air Mobility Command is our military's lifeline." Read More »
May 16, 2012
"It doesn’t matter which side of the aisle you are on, civil liberties are essential to everyone. As authors of this great nation’s laws, Congress must tread carefully when our fundamental, constitutional rights are at stake," Congressman Garamendi explained in written testimony submitted to the committee. "When writing laws that will affect individual liberties, we must speak clearly and with an unwavering voice – there is no room for ambiguity or uncertainty." Read More »
May 15, 2012
"As a rancher and a pear farmer, I know the unique challenges that California's agriculture community faces," said Garamendi. "The Farm Bill offers the opportunity for California's farm businesses to overcome these hurdles through advanced research, pest management, and marketing assistance programs. The bill can also connect disadvantaged families, especially children, with the food they need to lead healthy, productive lives. I join my colleagues in urging the Committee to pass a fiscally responsible Farm Bill that helps Americ'’s families and farmers to Make It In America and grow it in America." Read More »
May 15, 2012
"The idea that everyone detained deserves access to a lawyer and a fair judicial process is an American value that good citizens of all backgrounds should be able to get behind," Congressman Garamendi said. "Some legal experts have expressed concern that last year’s NDAA could be interpreted to authorize indefinite detention. The Smith-Amash-Berman-Garamendi amendment simply clarifies what’s already engrained in the U.S. Constitution: we all deserve our day in court." Read More »
May 10, 2012
"Naysayers will tell you that we can’t Make It In America, but that’s clearly not the case. There are plenty of hardworking Americans ready, willing, and able to do this work, and the facilities exist to make these rail cars here," added Garamendi. "Present federal law is insufficient. We need a change in federal policy to enable transportation agencies to weight Buy America standards greater in their procurement processes, keeping our tax dollars circulating in our economy and putting our neighbors to work rebuilding America’s crumbling transportation infrastructure." Read More »
May 10, 2012
"While including some good provisions, overall this bill takes us in the wrong direction," said Congressman Garamendi. "In order to protect funding for crucial defense programs and investments in our economic prosperity, we have to be a responsible guardian of public funds. Cut where we can to protect what we need. Instead, this bill would establish an unending escalated commitment in Afghanistan, wasting billions of dollars propping up a corrupt Karzai government, and it would create new Pentagon projects that defense officials say are wasteful." Read More »
May 2, 2012
"Access to health care is a fundamental right that empowers us to live happy, healthy lives and strengthens our community," said Congressman Garamendi, who served as California's Insurance Commissioner for eight years. "Community clinics provide health services - ranging from prenatal care to chronic disease management and mental health care - that make this right a reality." Read More »
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The Ryan Republican Budget: Medicare's Death by a Thousand Coupons
Sacramento Bee | Congressman John Garamendi | March 29, 2012Make no mistake, if this plan ever becomes law, it will mark Medicare's death by a thousand coupons. Seniors remaining with traditional Medicare will pay more as private insurers siphon off the healthiest and youngest among them. Seniors purchasing private insurance will also shoulder more of the cost of medical care as the value of their insurance coupon declines over time.
Garamendi Calls For End to Afghan War
Daily Democrat | | February 9, 2012Congressman John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, called for an end to the war in Afghanistan on the House of Representatives floor Wednesday.Garamendi is running for election in the new 3rd District, which includes most of Yolo County.Garamendi is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. Garamendi, along with a Republican congressman and a fellow Democratic representative, met with Lt. Col. Danny Davis who has questioned the direction of the Afghanistan war."Col. Davis' candid testimony reinforced my own conviction that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, only the prospect of continued shedding of American blood in a war that is not ours to fight," Garamendi said in a news release. "Only through a negotiated political settlement amongst the Afghan factions, not through an open-ended U.S. military presence, could Afghanistan become a stable, developing country."He commended the Obama administration for its leadership in ending the Iraq war and ensuring the U.S. military commitment in Afghanistan is not open-ended.Garamendi supports troops coming home from Afghanistan by mid-2013 if not sooner. He told Congress it has the ability to decide when the war ends.
Marysville forum: Jobs outlook bleak in Yuba-Sutter
Appeal Democrat | | February 6, 2012It is no secret the Yuba-Sutter job market is — at best — sluggish.Just ask Marysville's Dave Fleming."I haven't been working since I was laid off six months ago," Fleming said. "It is what it is in this economy — it's really tough times."Fleming, 39, was one of more than 50 people looking for answers and maybe some hope at a community meeting on Saturday in Marysville addressing jobs and economic growth in Yuba-Sutter.The event was hosted at the Arts Council Auditorium on E Street and was sponsored by the Yuba-Sutter Democratic Club, Rebuild the Dream Yuba-Sutter and Crossing Borders, Building Bridges.Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, was the event's keynote speaker."All the elements are here (in Yuba-Sutter) for good economic growth," Garamendi said. "We need to support our small businesses and career and job training centers to help build a solid middle class and reignite the American Dream."Other economic issues were addressed during a brief six-person panel discussion moderated by Marysville Vice Mayor Christina Billeci.Billeci was credited with organizing Saturday's forum and panel discussion."You hear a lot about the national and state economies, and we thought it would be good to compare our economy with those, but also to address bringing jobs her to expand the economy," she said.Long-term strategies were briefly discussed. Many speakers expressed optimism about the future of the local financial picture.
Bill Would Force Rehiring of More Reservists
Army Times | | February 3, 2012A California lawmaker wants to block most U.S. companies from using the excuse of poor economic times for not rehiring National Guard and reserve members who try to return to work following a mobilization.The Veterans Reemployment Act of 2012, introduced Wednesday by Rep. John Garamendi, D-Calif., would allow only small businesses to use a loophole in law that permits a company to not rehire a veteran because of economic hardship.Garamendi said current law is failing service members.Endorsed by the American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans’ organization, the bill “rights a terrible wrong,” said Garamendi, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Because of a loophole in existing law, when National Guard and reserve members return from the front lines, too often they come home to see their job taken away from them.”The bill, HR 3860, was referred for consideration to the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the panel responsible for the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act that includes the rehiring rules. That committee also is taking a close look at the high unemployment rate facing returning National Guard and reserve members.Under Garamendi’s bill, large and medium-sized businesses would be unable to refuse to rehire a veteran employee because of “undue hardship,” the loophole in current law. As long as they are still in business, they would have to reinstate a returning veteran in the same position that he or she left or one equivalent to it, accommodate returning workers with service-connected disabilities, and find new jobs for those who no longer qualify for their previous positions.
Oil Drilling Off California Coast Approved By House Panel
SCPR | | February 2, 2012A GOP-led House committee has approved bills that open the Arctic National Wildlife Preserve to oil drilling, encourage oil shale development in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming and push new oil drilling off the Santa Barbara coast.Republicans say the measures provide energy security and a source of revenue to help pay for roads and bridges, but it was the offshore oil lease sales that sparked the most spirited debate. Any discussion of offshore oil drilling among Californians revolves around the 1969 spill off the Santa Barbara coast that dumped 200,000 gallons of crude across 35 miles of coastline.Democratic Congressman John Garamendi of Walnut Creek referred to it as he offered objection after objection and amendment after amendment to stall the offshore drilling bill. "There is the probability of oil spills, small and on occasion large, when you drill from the ocean," he said.Garamendi suggested a compromise: a process known as horizontal drilling. He says nearly all the oil off the California coast can be reached from the shore. But that suggestion, like every other Democratic amendment, was turned down.Grace Napolitano of Norwalk and John Garamendi of Walnut Creek raised objections at today’s Natural Resources Committee hearing. Congressman Garamendi said GOP amendments in the bills turn back the clock on federal regulations."You’re pushing aside the Federal Land Policy Management Act, the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the Energy Policy Act, and saying they’re not to be considered," Garamendi said, "and that what was done in 2008 by the Bush administration is quite satisfactory. Get out of the way and go forward."Garamendi and Napolitano raised concerns about water pollution during discussion of the bill promoting oil shale development.
Solano County's congressmen pleased with Obama's speech
Vacaville Reporter | | January 25, 2012In an attempt to meet a fractured economy head-on and make the needed adjustments to get it back on track, President Barack Obama on Tuesday emphasized in his State of the Union address the importance seeing beyond political differences and challenged Congress to take the steps necessary to bridge the gap.Area representatives are taking a stance firmly behind him."President Obama gave a very strong and optimistic speech about our country, but made equally strong challenge to Congress to stop blocking efforts to rebuild the middle class and move America forward," said U.S. Rep. George Miller, D-Solano, regarding the president's third address on the country's state of affairs since being elected in 2008. "I give this speech and its message to all Americans very high marks."Fellow Congressman John Garamendi, D-Solano, was in agreement when reached by phone following the address, calling it "excellent."He credited Obama's emphasis on job creation and rebuilding the middle class through maintaining and strengthening infrastructure, renewable energy, pushing for fairness in tax policy and maintaining the country's military strength.Garamendi said he was "pleasantly surprised" with the way Obama ended his address, reminding his audience of the country's greatness as a nation."The destiny of America is ahead of us if we can work together," he said.Garamendi added that the changes Obama called for are within our reach as a country if partisanism can be put aside and "If Republicans can work with Democrats and vice versa."
Area politicians weigh in on Obama's address
Stockton Record | | January 25, 2012Shortly after President Barack Obama finished his third State of the Union address Tuesday evening, lawmakers with ties to the area offered their perspectives on the talk.Democrats agree Obama was dynamic, inspirational and scored points on addressing the need to grow the nation's middle class. One area Republican agreed with the president's rhetoric but believes his policies and actions don't reflect his words. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the overall reactions to the address were largely consistent with party lines.However, Obama did receive respect from one Democratic lawmaker who at times has been vocal in his criticism of the nation's leader."(Obama) showed he is aware of the everyday struggles of real people and that he is committed to building the middle class and preserving the American dream for all people," McNerney said in a news release.Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, said the president's discussion on national defense could be a boon for Northern California."He stressed the need for an agile defense network," Garamendi said. "Travis Air Force Base can provide mobility, and Beale Air Force Base is reconnaissance," he said.Beale Air Force Base, near Marysville, is home to unmanned drone aircraft and the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, and Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield hosts the 60th and 349th Air Mobility Wing.
Yuba-Sutter Republican rebuttal to Obama: ‘Not much has improved'
Appeal Democrat | | January 25, 2012The president called for raising taxes on the rich, luring high-tech manufacturers to America and setting up training programs to prepare workers to succeed in those high-tech manufacturing jobs. After he finished, local Democrats hailed the speech a success; local Republicans criticized him."He failed to really touch on the major issues and crises that are touching the country today," said Rick Reiss, member of the Yuba County Republican Central Committee.The United States needs to bolster its economy, cut government spending, pay down the national debt and drill for its own oil, Reiss said, and Obama's not doing those fast enough.Rep. Wally Herger, R-Chico, attended the speech in Washington and wasn't impressed either."It seemed like a lot of old ideas we've heard before from the president," Herger said. Those ideas haven't turned the nation's economy around, he added. The United States still has high unemployment while the federal government continues to spend more money than it takes in."We've had three years of the president's policies and we haven't seen the economy improve."Not according to Obama. Businesses created more than 3 million jobs in the last 22 months, he said and last year they created the most jobs since 2005."The state of our union is getting stronger," Obama told Congress.On the other side of the aisle, there were starkly different opinions of the address."The president hit the issues squarely and very, very strongly," said Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, who is running in a newly remade district this year that will include the Yuba-Sutter area.Obama's priorities are particularly relevant for the Yuba-Sutter area, Garamendi said. The president wants to continue investing in the military, beef up infrastructure like flood protection and increase funding for taking care of veterans once they return from war."The president laid out solutions today that I think are very achievable if we work together," Garamendi said.Paine agreed, saying the Yuba-Sutter needs better roads and bridges, although he doesn't think Congress working together is a big if during an election year."The Republicans don't want to have anything done that might reflect in a positive way on Obama," Paine said. "I don't think Congress will do much in this year."
Senior Resources Fair offers services, information to locals
Daily Republic | | January 20, 2012About 100 senior citizens and 20 agencies participated in Rep. John Garamendi’s Senior Resources Fair Thursday at Mount Calvary Baptist Church.The three-hour event included workshops on insurance, as well as scams and frauds that target seniors.Peggy Pellon represented the local Area Agency on Aging. The agency strives to make it to all events such as the resource fair, she said.“It’s an opportunity to do outreach to seniors and diverse cultures,” she said.Some seniors aren’t aware of the services the Area Agency on Aging offers, including depression screening.As one ages, there are a lot of losses to cope with, Pellon said. Whether it be the loss of a spouse, health or even financial means, that can cause isolation and depression, she said.Garamendi thanked the participating agencies, noting that the fair was just a continuation of the work they do on a daily basis. He spoke about becoming the state’s insurance commissioner in 1991 and noted since that time, there has been progress made on senior insurance issues but there is still work to be done.It was the workshop by Garamendi staffer Karen Tedford that got Vacaville resident Rose Castles, 79, to the event.“I am so worried about it,” she said about fraud. “It’s everywhere.”Tedford shared stories of seniors who were fraud and/or scam victims. She cautioned them to never pay for anything they didn’t order, not to carry their Social Security card in their wallet and to check their credit reports.Census statistics show that Solano County is home to nearly 40,000 people who are 65 and older.Last year, Garamendi held a Senior Resources Fair in Antioch.
Defense Act Is Unconstitutional
Berthoud Recorder | | January 18, 2012Each year, Congress authorizes the budget of the Department of Defense through a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA of 2012, however, is unlike any previous ones. This year’s legislation contains highly controversial provisions that empower the Armed Forces to engage in civilian law enforcement and to selectively suspend due process and habeas corpus, as well as other rights guaranteed by the 5th and 6th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, for terror suspects apprehended on U.S. soil. The final version of the bill passed the House on December 14, the Senate the following day.This pernicious law poses one of the greatest threats to civil liberties in our nation’s history. Under Section 1021 of the NDAA, foreign nationals who are alleged to have committed or merely “suspected” of sympathizing with or providing any level of support to groups the U.S. designates as terrorist organization or an affiliate or associated force may be imprisoned without charge or trial “until the end of hostilities.” The law affirms the executive branch’s authority granted under the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) and broadens the definition and scope of “covered persons.” But because the “war on terror” is a war on a tactic, not on a state, it has no parameters or timetable. Consequently, this law can be used by authorities to detain (forever) anyone the government considers a threat to national security and stability – potentially even demonstrators and protesters exercising their First Amendment rights.Regardless of whether or not this law is interpreted as applying to U.S. persons, by specifically targeting foreign nationals, the NDAA violates the “equal protection” clause of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees that all people be treated the same under the law. Therefore, any way you slice it, this law is unconstitutional.As difficult as it might be to have any faith left in the Congress, there is hope on the horizon for overturning at least the portion of the law that threatens U.S. persons. The Due Process Guarantee Act of 2011, H.R. 3702, authored by Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) and Martin Heinrich (D- NM) and currently co-sponsored by 32 House members, including the ranking members of the Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Judiciary committees, clarifies existing U.S. law and states unequivocally that the government cannot indefinitely detain American citizens or lawful U.S. residents. It ensures that U.S. citizens and permanent residents on American soil are protected. The bill amends the Non-Detention Act of 1971, clarifying that a congressional authorization for the use of military force – such as that in the NDAA which included the detainee provisions – does not authorize the indefinite detention without charge or trial of U.S. citizens apprehended on U.S. soil. H.R. 3702 is companion legislation to Senator Dianne Feinstein’s Due Process Guarantee Act of 2011, S. 2003.Since 2001, the Patriot Act, the AUMF, and now the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 have eroded of many of our most valued constitutional rights. Our nation is moving away from government “of the people, by the people, for the people” and toward a totalitarian state. The late historian, Howard Zinn observed, “Terrorism has replaced Communism as the rationale for the militarization of the country [America], for military adventures abroad, and for the suppression of civil liberties at home. It serves the same purpose, serving to create hysteria.”It is up to the American people to stop this fear-mongering and this unfettered growth of the military industrial complex. How? Americans can begin by actively dissenting against laws that violate their Constitution and their conscience. Dr. Zinn believed very strongly that “dissent is the highest form of patriotism.
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January 15, 2011
Contra Costa Times: Patients' rights vs. insurance discrimination
They want to repeal the historic patient's bill of rights that we enacted last year and replace it with the insurance industry's right to discriminate. That's bad news for children, women, seniors and our economy. If the patient's bill of rights is repealed, people in Contra Costa and Solano counties and throughout California will be irreparably harmed. Read More »
September 23, 2010
Real People Really Helped by the Patient's Bill of Rights
Gail was told by her doctor, “Either you dip into your retirement fund, or you’re going to die.” Because of health care reform, she can now choose to live and keep her retirement. Gail, previously denied coverage because she has a pre-existing condition, was able to enroll in a temporary high-risk pool to receive the cancer treatment she needs and deserves because of the Patient’s Bill of Rights. By 2014, no insurance company in the nation will be allowed to deny her care. Read More »
June 23, 2010
Join Me at My Women Veterans Fair
We must always honor and help the soldiers, veterans, and their families who sacrifice so much for this country. No matter our views on specific policies or wars, I think we can all agree those who risk their lives for this country should be given access to quality veterans’ benefits, health care, and job opportunities. I have met brave men and women in uniform throughout my district, during multiple visits to Travis Air Force Base and recent Memorial Day Services. One theme that recurs with frequency is the variety of unique challenges female soldiers face in the field and upon their return home. Read More »
June 15, 2010
On Israel and the Flotilla Incident
I also call on all powers in the Middle East to value human life and do everything possible to avoid bloodshed. The loss of life in the flotilla incident was tragic, and I look forward to the findings of the recently formed Independent Public Commission, which will examine such issues as the naval blockade of Gaza, actions taken by the Commandos during flotilla incident, and the identities and conduct of the organizers and participants of the flotilla. In the mean time, we must focus on avoiding escalation, preventing more violence, and continuing the peace process. The greatest tragedy would be to allow the flotilla incident to end the region’s prospects for peace. Read More »
May 10, 2010
"Major scientific breakthroughs occur every year at the Livermore labs, and it’s important that we harness these advances to strengthen our economy, create jobs, and improve our way of life," said Congressman Garamendi. “My bill creates a technology transfer center at the Lawrence Livermore and Sandia labs, making it easier for private sector companies and universities to convert ideas into employment engines." Read More »
April 21, 2010
Health Care Reform: What’s in it for You?
Congressman John Garamendi had the privilege to vote for a comprehensive health insurance reform bill that will expand coverage to 32 million Americans. As your former State Insurance Commissioner and a long time state legislator, Congressman Garamendi has long been an advocate for reforming our broken health care laws. Under our new health care laws, many important reforms will come into effect this year. Read More »
April 21, 2010
Tax Cuts for You: Lower Taxes, More Opportunities
According to Bruce Bartlett, a conservative economist and economic advisor to President Reagan, "federal taxes are very considerably lower by every measure since Obama became president." In a little more than a year since the Recovery Act was signed into law and after other measures put into place by Democrats, Americans are seeing the real benefits of Democratic tax cuts and credits. Read More »
April 7, 2010
Northern California Residents: I'm Hosting a Job Resources Fair this Saturday
At the job resources fair, participants will have access to one-on-one resume review and interview skills training. In addition, we are also hosting some helpful workshops. Read More »
March 21, 2010
In Order to Form a More Perfect Union...
With the passage of time a more perfect union has emerged and a broader consensus has been reached. Yet for many Americans justice is not yet secured. When personal and national economic conditions deny individuals access to the health care necessary for survival, where is the justice? The Declaration of Independence calls for every American to have access to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Yet 45,000 Americans die each year because they do not have health insurance and millions more uninsured remain one accident away from economic devastation. For the victims and their families, lives are robbed, liberty is not pursued, happiness is not attained. Read More »
January 28, 2010
"And let me be clear, I’m not the least bit concerned about using majority rule in the Senate to pass meaningful health care reform. Congress has employed reconciliation in the past to make major policy shifts, including the passage of welfare reform and the Bush tax cuts, and the fact of the matter is this country will find itself in serious trouble if we do not act now. No one Senator should feel entitled to veto power over 17% percent of our economy." Read More »
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My Work in Congress
I am proud to serve in leadership as a Democratic Assistant Whip and as a member of the Congressional Make It In America Working Group. I also serve on the House Armed Services and Natural Resources Committees.
Today in Congress
My Voting Record
| Date | RC# | Bill | Vote |
| 05-18 | 293 | H R 4348 | Yea |
| 05-18 | 292 | H R 4348 | Nay |
| 05-18 | 291 | H R 4310 | No |
| 05-18 | 290 | H R 4310 | Aye |
| 05-18 | 289 | H R 4310 | Aye |
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